Downtown Living: March 2018

The Downtown Development District along with CANO and LCEF will host the sixth annual Creative Industries Summit March 21, featuring the Downtown NOLA Arts-Based Business Pitch during New Orleans Entrepreneur Week 2018 — the country’s premier annual business festival.

The sixth annual Downtown NOLA Arts-Business Pitch is aimed at identifying and supporting entrepreneurs that have a scalable arts-based project situated in the creative, architecture, technology, digital media or film/entertainment fields that benefits Downtown NOLA. Come watch as local arts-based entrepreneurs compete for a prize package valued at more than $40,000 in cash and in-kind services. The winner will be the pitch/presentation that best embodies the spirit and culture of Downtown NOLA in a sustainable project. downtownnola.com

Health: Spring Wellness Series at Duncan Plaza
A collaboration between the DDD, the Arts Council of New Orleans — and partners Footprints to Fitness, Magnolia Yoga Studio and The Ohm Well — presents the Spring Wellness Series at Duncan Plaza. The series began Feb. 19 and is running all the way through the end of March. Participants can enjoy wellness classes like Yogalates, Club Yoga, Meditation and more Monday through Thursday each week with varying hours.

Shopping: FRIEND
Located inside the Ace Hotel on Carondelet Street, FRIEND is a culture-driven contemporary menswear boutique that sells casual men’s apparel with leisure-inspired style. The shop partners with local artists and other designers to offer one-of-a-kind wear with a resort-style aesthetic. FRIEND also sells a highly curated collection of books and music, plus other gifts and collectibles created in partnership with local artists. Owner Parker Hutchinson is an associate at Sangisetty Law Firm, LLC, who, in his off-hours, wanted to offer young local businessmen more casual clothing options from refined labels like Saturdays, Burkman Bros. and Cuisse de Grenouille. 600 Carondelet St., (504) 342-2162, friendneworleans.com

Dining: The Store
When seeking a spot to meet co-workers and friends for lunch Downtown, look no further than The Store. Located on Gravier Street, this casual eatery offers catering, curbside-to-go service and delivery throughout the Downtown area. Stop in for lunch sometime and enjoy everything from a pulled pork sandwich on pressed jalapeño-cheddar bread; a Rich Man burger with brie and bacon; a fried oyster po-boy; or a plate of shrimp and grits. The Store is open Monday through Friday and serves breakfast from 7-10 a.m. and lunch from 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. 814 Gravier St., (504) 322-2446, thestoreneworleans.com